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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th September 2016
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Hare coursing operation underway in Lincolnshire
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Operation Galileo will focus on the seizure of dogs and vehicles, as this is thought to be the greatest deterrent.
Police will focus on dog and vehicle seizures

A police operation to tackle hare coursing in Lincolnshire is now underway and officers have so far arrested three people and seized three dogs and a vehicle.

Illegal hare coursing typically begins in September and peaks through to the end of March. While the practice is banned in England and Wales, it continues on a large scale in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

Lincolnshire Police chief inspector Jim Tyner says this year Operation Galileo will focus on the seizure of dogs and vehicles, as this is thought to be the greatest deterrent.

Two men and a 17-year-old youth from County Durham were arrested during the first weekend of the operation, following allegations of hare coursing near North Cockerington, Louth. Police also seized three dogs and a Nissan Almera. The three men have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

The dogs are being cared for in kennels and police say an application will be made for forfeiture and rehoming.

There were a total of 27 reports of hare coursing over the weekend (3-4 September), across Spalding, The Deepings, Sleaford, Boston and The Wolds.

Chief inspector Tyner added: "The message from me is simple: get caught hare coursing in Lincolnshire and we will seize your vehicle, seize your dogs and see you in court."

The county, along with other rural areas, saw a significant rise in reports of hare coursing during the 2015/16 season.

National Farmers Union (NFU) county adviser, Gordon Corner, said farmers and growers face "tremendous pressure and stress" from hare coursing gangs.

"The intimidation and threats of violence experienced by them and their families must not be a feature of every hare coursing season. Lincolnshire Police and the NFU will work together to stamp out this worrying and pernicious crime."

Police have introduced a new NFU-funded text reporting service. Rural communities can report illegal hare coursing by texting the word 'Hare' to 80800 with further information such as vehicle registration numbers. The 101 number should be used where police attendance is needed, or 999 for emergencies.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.